Platform
Government Spending.Our state government spends too much money. It is my goal to use the powers of the office I am seeking to curb that spending. Our government has to stay out of our pockets and off our backs.
Property Tax Relief! Property Taxes in our state are way too high. Senior citizens and families face the danger, every year of losing their homes to the government and watching their homes get auctioned off at tax sales to private investors. I’m committed to seeing this practice discarded, and I am committed to pursuing meaningful, aggressive property tax relief.
Economic Development. It is a top priority as we look at not just the landscape of our community today and tomorrow, but as we plan for the challenges, opportunities, and needs we will face in 5 years, 10 years, and 20 years. My office will be available and accessible to businesses and entrepreneurs who are looking to either relocate to Spartanburg or expand their existing businesses.
Education Reform. Our state’s education system is failing both our students and our teachers. As a Republican, I don’t think we can just blindly throw money at a failing system. But by taking a common sense approach, by finding creative ways to increase parental involvement, by decreasing the student / teacher ratio, and by helping teachers by getting problem students out of the classroom, we can begin the long journey to bring our South Carolina schools out of last place in national standings.
Small Business Practices.Our state government should be friendlier to the small businesses of this state. Many small businesses are over taxed and over regulated. For example, departments like DHEC have a tremendous amount of power over many small businesses. The powers of these organizations must be contained and kept from growing. More regulations, restrictions and fees are being placed on small business every year and this absolutely must stop.
Tort Reform.We must continue to curb this insanity. Our small businesses, physicians, and others are burdened with extremely high insurance premiums. Many operate their businesses from a standpoint of fear. They feel they are at the mercy of something beyond their control. We have to continue to relive this burden and restrict it so that both side are treated equally.
Private Property Protection. Having done some real estate development, I know the influence some developers can have on local politicians. Development can be a great thing, but all parties involved must consent to the transaction and no one should live in fear of being forced to sell their property. That’s why the eminent domain ruling of the Supreme Court is so disconcerting, because it gives local governments’ almost free reign. I’ll work through the avenues available to me in the State House to protect our property rights.
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